Chapter 26: Proud Patriarchs
Murmurs kept ringing through the room until Ebizo stood up again to take the floor:
"I agree with the Kazekage, but that option is extremely risky, Konhoa may not be able to do anything in retaliation for the death of his ninjas since they are going to be in the presence of the 5 great ninja villages," Ebizo began to say.
"But they will not hesitate to seek and find those responsible and take revenge at all costs. Let's not forget that the Senju Princess is part of the Hokage's apprentices, and eliminating her will not bring us any good" explained Ebizo who was known to be the best strategist in the village.
"Very true Ebizo, Princess Senju is not someone we can afford to kill unless we want a war with Konoha and I am sure this council does not want that, so her death and the death of the Hokage's apprentices are off the table" concluded the retired Second Kazekage, to which the Third Kazekage only responded with a grimace and a sigh of disappointment.
The Third Kazekage knew that the Second Kazekage still has a lot of power within the village, so it would be impossible for him to get the majority of the council in his favor, there were only a few who would support him for sure.
Ebizo on the other hand nodded in relief knowing that the Second Kazekage understood his concerns and that he too did not intend to go to war with Konoha.
Sunagakure like most other villages has not yet recovered from the first world war, so another war would be disastrous for everyone in the village.
Especially for Sunagakure which has infertile land and a very poor economy that does not allow them to afford to train many ninjas.
"Very well then, for the time being, Suna will ally with Iwa, giving it support against Kiri and thus strengthening the relations between both villages, it only remains to wait for the Tsuchikage's answer," said the Third Kazekage who despite not agreeing to do nothing against Konoha, ended up accepting that, for now, he has no choice but to listen to the Second Kazekage and Ebizo.
"However, it still remains to decide which Suna ninja will participate in the Chunin exam,"
"This... Kazekage, to decide this shouldn't the Jonin of each Genin team be present?" asked the Ningen Patriarch in confusion.
The Ningen clan is the largest in Suna, they don't have very powerful ninjas in their clan, but they far outnumber the rest of the clans in number of ninjas.
While the Chikamatsu clan was the second largest clan in the village and only has half as many ninjas as the Ningen clan.
But the Chikamatsu clan has a large number of high-ranking ninja that position it as one of the three most important clans in Sunagakure along with the Zensho clan and the Jiki clan also known as the Kazekage clan for being the clan to which Reto, the founder of Sunagakure and the first Kazekage, belonged.
"That won't be necessary this time Patriarch Ningen, given the importance of this Chunin exam, only we will be in charge of evaluating and choosing the ninja we think fit to participate" replied the Third Kazekage.
"I agree, we cannot afford to look ridiculous in front of the other ninja villages, only the best ninja should participate this time, we must select the elite of our village" nodded Patriarch Zensho.
"Yes, many powerful and rich people will be interested in watching these Chunin exams, it is the perfect opportunity to get more commissions and improve the village's economy"
"If we can show good performance during the exams and impress these people, we can likely attract them to our side," added Patriarch Seishin who agreed with this.
Everyone in Suna wished for more resources.
Konoha was the only village that after the war had been able to prosper easily thanks to the rich economy and fertile lands of the Land of Fire.
The rest of the villages were still going through economic crises and needed all the resources they could get.
"Well... it should be noted that we will not be the only ones to send the elite of our younger generation of ninja to the Chunin exams, as the informant Snake rightly said, all the villages have something planned for these exams, so it is likely that everyone has been waiting for this moment to act, a clear example of this is Konoha" clarified Ebizo.
"What do you mean they waited for this moment to act, Ebizo-sama?" asked the leader of the Hoki clan.
"Very simple, Iwa had already started to organize these exams together with us and Konoha 4 years ago, so it is not something recent, it is something premeditated and our three villages had enough time in these 4 years to nurture and specially train a group of elite ninja to participate in the exams, but it is very likely that both Kumo and Kiri have been doing the same as us and only wanted to wait until the last moment to accept the invitation to participate in the Chunin exams" explained Ebizo making it clear that all the villages would be competing with their best ninjas.
"To define, what my brother means, is that we will have to assume the consequences of sending the most talented young ninjas of our village since there is a high probability that they will die in this year's Chunin exams" Chiyo finished explaining.
Everyone was silent for a few moments digesting the words of the Honorable Siblings.
At first, everyone was in complete agreement with what the Third Kazekage said, but now again Ebizo made them understand the pros and cons of the situation.
"That won't be a problem, I have full confidence in the ninjas we nurtured and trained in these 4 years, not only are they the best of their generation, but they were also trained 4 years, especially by our Suna Anbu to carry out these exams," said again with confidence the Third Kazekage while directing a glance at Skull, who soon understood what he intended.
Skull quickly placed several confidential Suna Anbu documents on the table.
Everyone present looked at the documents Skull placed on the table with intrigue.
"These are the candidates for this year's Chunin exams, personally chosen by the Kazekage-sama and trained under the Anbu corps for 4 years, all talented geniuses and experts in their fields" commented Skull as he showed the documents one by one to those present.
"I see, it looks like the Kazekage got some good seedlings, I must congratulate you, they are excellent ninjas and I'm sure they won't let us down in the Chunin exams" nodded the retired Second Kazekage in satisfaction.
"But really... these 6 ninjas can even be considered Genin, they are all at the strength and chakra level of an elite Chunin or special Jonin," asked the Seishin Patriarch dumbfounded.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that Patriarch Seishin, they are all under 17 so we can make up any excuse to explain their status as Genin" clarified the Third Kazekage.
It was obvious that these ninjas could have become Chunin a few years ago, but as long as they are under 17 years old, you could still make any excuse like they failed to pass the written exam among other things.
And it is only up to 17 years of age since it is established that by custom after this age, all ninjas who remain as Genin must only be examined by their respective villages who will determine whether or not the ninja can become a Chunin.
So if a Genin over the age of 17 were to participate in the Chunin exams having already reached the level of a Chunin, it would not only make his village lose credibility but it is also extremely frowned upon by the general public.
"I see..., but if so, the other villages would likely think of doing the same," commented Patriarch Seishin again causing many to attend in agreement with what he said.
"Oh please Patriarch Seishin, we may not be the village with the most ninja but the talent of our young ninja is top notch and these ninjas were nurtured especially for this task, at the very least they should be able to succeed in these exams" clarified Patriarch Doku confidently.
"What Patriarch Doku says is true and I can attest to his words as two of the candidates are genius puppeteers of my clan" nodded Patriarch Chikamatsu proudly.
While Ebizo just wanted to bang his head against the table, he knew what the Third Kazekage had done.
Purposely selecting young and talented members of the clans that were usually against him in order to prevent them from opposing his ideas.
The worst thing is that the proud patriarchs of these clans don't even care to think that, as they have full faith in the geniuses of their clan.
'He knew they would react like that... It seems that in this I can no longer intervene, the Kazekage played his cards well, I have to give him that' sighed Ebizo tiredly.
Chapter 27: Ebizo Doubts
Chiyo noticed her brother's frustration and understood what was going on.
"Kazekage, I would like to ask if you really believe that these elite candidates are above the level of the Hokage's apprentices, I understand that Princess Senju and another of her apprentices are geniuses beyond compare. We all know how bad we would look if a 14-year-old ninja defeats a 16 or 17-year old" commented Chiyo making clear reference to the age of the Hokage's apprentices and the candidates that the Kazekage had prepared.
And in fact, Chiyo made a comment that put the Kazekage in an unpleasant situation because if he answered that the candidates he chose could defeat the Hokage's apprentices and they didn't it would be his responsibility.
'If it's not Ebizo it's his sister, these two won't let me breathe, how could I go so far as to risk assuring that, clearly I can't be sure. The idea was that between the 6 Suna candidates they would work together to eliminate the Konoha ninja one by one, not that they would fight them on equal terms,' the Third Kazekage complained internally about Ebizo and Chiyo's constant interference in his plans.
"Chiyo-sama, don't you trust your parents' clan members, I can assure you they are the pride of our clan' replied Patriarch Chikamatsu before the Kazekage could answer.
'Damn cousin, why did you have to talk, you just helped the Kazekage get away with it' complained Ebizo and Chiyo mentally.
While the Third Kazekage smiled pleasantly as he heard what Patriarch Chikamatsu said.
"You have nothing to worry about Chiyo-sama, the ninja of our clan will not let the village down" assured Patriarch Doku.
Chiyo and Ebizo just sighed defeatedly.
"Very well, all that needs to be said has been said. Those in favor of Team 1 consisting of Magasa Chikamatsu, Shirai Doku, and Uzue Ningen participating in the Chunin exams" said the Third Kazekage quickly.
After a while, everyone present raised their hands, even Chiyo and Ebizo who were not entirely sure about this.
"Well, the council declares that from now on team 1 is officially a participant in the Chunin exams."
"Moving on to the next team, those in favor that team 16 consisting of Akira Chikamatsu, Hana Zensho and Chihiro Seishin participate in the Chunin exams"
Again all present raised their hands in favor.
"Very well, the council declares that from now on team 16 is officially a participant of the Chunin exams"
"Lastly, I would like to nominate one last team," said the Third Kazekage suddenly, causing everyone to look at him in confusion as the documents Skull had handed them were only from the members of these two groups.
"Does the Kazekage have other candidates to participate in the exams?" asked Patriarch Ningen.
"That's right, it's a group consisting of my own apprentice and two other ninjas who have managed to catch my attention," said the Kazekage.
"Wait... Kazekage, your apprentice is only 9 years old, I understand that his level is on par with any other Chunin, but he is still very young, his Chakra is still low" said Chiyo quickly.
She was pleasantly surprised with the young Rasa's current level, she believed he had the potential to be the successor to the Third Kazekage and for that same reason she didn't want him to expose himself so quickly, the Chunin exams were not a safe place for anyone.
"What my sister is trying to say, is that the Chunin exams are too dangerous for such an important genius as young Rasa, he is the future of this village and we all know how important his Kekkei Genkai is for the future development of Suna, that is why I ask you to reconsider exposing him to such unnecessary danger" explained and asked Ebizo making everyone start to murmur, many agreeing with what he was saying and others with doubts,
The Suna council may have a clear separation of factions, but there is one thing they all care about equally and that is the future of Sunagakure.
They all seek the best for Sunagakure and no matter if some were of the Kazekage's opposition, they all agreed that Rasa was too valuable for Suna.
In everyone's eyes, Rasa was not only a gold mine thanks to his Kekkei Genkai, but he also had the latent potential to reach the level of a Kage, something Suna could not afford to lose.
"Unnecessary danger you say? Rasa has already participated in 14 A-rank missions and has faced a great number of Chunin, and himself was the one who asked me to take the Chunin exam, do you think not letting him participate will do him any good?, it would only slow down his progress, and I don't think anyone around this table would want that" said the Kazekage seriously, making many of those present nods in agreement.
While Ebizo could only wonder what on earth the Kazekage was thinking sending his apprentice of only 9 years old to these Chunin exams, he wouldn't believe for anything in the world that he didn't have something planned to make such a risky move with his apprentice.
'Besides increasing the general support of the clans and higher-ups a bit along with his prestige and authority, I can't imagine anything else he could gain from doing this..., it doesn't make sense for him to risk so much for just that' thought Ebizo without coming to any coherent conclusion.
"The third Kazekage speaks with reason, every Suna ninja must go through difficult things to grow and improve, Rasa may be young but he has already proven himself to be at or above those ninjas older than him and for that very reason he has earned his deserved place in these exams" spoke again the retired Second Kazekage.
Again his words made the majority of those present agree almost instantly, it was very clear the importance of his vote in the council, he as the only Second Kage still alive of the 5 great ninja villages was a pride for everyone in Suna.
He was respected by all the clans and elders, and even the Third Kazekage was eclipsed by his presence.
The Third Kazekage was called the strongest Kazekage of Sunagakure, but he still lacked of the prestige of the Second Kazekage.
Finally, the council decided to accept the 27th team, consisting of Rasa and two other civilian ninjas.
At the end of the meeting, all present rose from the round table and left the Suna council hall one by one.
Soon, only the Third Kazekage and Skull were left in the room.
"Skull, tell Rasa to come to my office" ordered the Third Kazekage as he calmly rose from his seat.
"Right away, Kazekage-sama" replied Skull respectfully and quickly disappeared.
While the Kazekgae was going to his office, Skull was moving at high speeds through the village in search of Rasa.
...
...
-Suna Puppet Workshop:
Inside the Kazekage's building was the Suna puppet workshop, Ebizo, and Chiyo upon leaving the Suna council hall, the two went straight to this workshop.
When Ebizo along with Chiyo entered the workshop several puppeteer ninjas who were repairing, creating, or researching new puppets greeted the two respectfully.
"Chiyo-sama, Ebizo-sama!"
Ebizo and Chiyo nodded quietly to the group of ninjas and then retreated to a private room the two had inside the workshop.
Upon entering Ebizo quickly sat down in front of a table with several puppets and began working on them.
"Brother, what is it that has you so upset, was it that the Kazekage managed to convince the clans to send those candidates without taking any responsibility?"
"Why do you think I'm upset, sister?"
"Please, you know whenever you're frustrated and upset you start working on your puppets to keep yourself distracted."
Ebizo wanted to contradict his sister, but he knew he couldn't so he just sighed and nodded his head.
"I guess you're right sister, but no, that's not what bothers me so much, it's the Rasa thing."
"Oh, The Kazekage's apprentice is what has you so frustrated...?, it shouldn't be much of a problem, I'm sure the Kazekage wouldn't risk his apprentice for nothing, he must want him to really learn and improve with these exams since the best young ninjas from each village are going to be there," said a confused Chiyo.
She couldn't understand why her brother was so bothered by that, she understood that Rasa was extremely important for the future of the village, but she didn't think the Kazekage would risk exposing his apprentice to unnecessary danger, it wouldn't do him any good.
"That's what bothers me, I can't find any other reason why he would want to send his apprentice to such a risky Chunin exam..." said Ebizo.
"So... what's the problem? not everything has to have second thoughts brother."
"Ha, don't you know the Third Kazekage as well as I do? I can't imagine that he would do something just for the sake of just his apprentice, there must be something behind it, something that merits risking exposing his apprentice to such dangers, something that he can get out of all this..."
"Well... if Rasa performs well in the Chunin exams it's obvious that the Kazekage is going to gain a lot of merit and support because of that."
"Yes..., but it's not enough, there must be something else, and that's what bothers me, not knowing what it is" complained Ebizo.